skim over
Meaning(s)
1. to read, review or present something in a superficial way
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
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Analysis
If you 'skim over' something you read, present or review it in a superficial way without any in-depth knowledge or attention. This is an informal expression that you may hear in social or professional contexts and usually has a negative connotation. When you 'skim over' something you don't give a lot of time to the task at hand. Similar to 'brush over', but 'skim over' is more suited to reading. This idiomatic expression comes from the verb 'to skim', meaning to scratch or come into contact with the surface.
Social Examples (Basic)
- I should really skim over that chapter before the exam tomorrow.
- I don't really understand the details. The salesman just skimmed over them with me.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- We can't afford to skim over the details of these findings. I'd like a committee to review them and present them to the team next week.
- In skimming over some of these leads we have lost valuable potential customers.